Anyone that's switched from a traditional shoe to a "barefoot" shoe, low drop/wide toe box. Did you find the need to use an adjustment period to strengthen your feet? I've been reading that you should slowly build up to all day wearing. I usually have around a 7.5k step morning walk and don't want to create any injuries when switching, but want some first hand experience from others who have made the switch and if they have experienced any issues during the transition.
#asknostr #barefootshoes
Nah just rip off the bandaid and go for it.
My feet did hurt at times and I had to switch back to a traditional fiat shoe. But you kind of have to pick your poison. When you use cushioned shoes that aren’t wide, you are creating pain in other areas like knees and lower back. You also fuck up the natural shape of your toes which leads to imbalances with your spine. Maybe just end your walks early if feet start to hurt.
Just use it to walk as usual. If you got any pain, pause and take some recovery.
Also important to walk barefoot (no shoes at all) to notice the difference in your gait.
I usually use barefoot-style shoes daily, 12k steps going to work and back.
I still wear my custom insoles but switched to a flat, foot-wide (not just toebox wide) shoe (brand: Hobibear) and am slowly increasing my step count each month on the way to 10k by December 2026.
Going straight to a barefoot shoes wasn’t good for me, as I’ve also been rehabbing my right foot.
I haven't done straight barefoot, but I use Altra Original foot shape as a wide toe box zero drop with cushion. Also, Orthofeet (wide) has some dressier styles, for women at least. I walk average 10k / day and just prefer cushion, unless I am walking directly on soft earth, then I go barefoot :)
I like the Altra's with the idea for a beginner shoe with the wide toe and zero drop, but still a slight amount of cushion. I'm the same way with going barefoot, in the yard and around the house I'm always barefoot.
I dove straight in and had some foot/ankle soreness after a few weeks but after resting for a few days it was fine.
I switched without issue but had very flat feet beforehand
Just do it, adjust along the way if you need. Remember, your body knows how to walk without a drop, it’s in your nature.
